GOS Tennis Court Check presentation 2

Accepting the Golden Oak Society grant for the Tolmie Park Tennis Courts are Janet Hurt, Cindy Reiter, Jane Riter, and Kathy Klauser. Not shown are Barb Smidt, GOS Treasurer, and Joyce Glasscock, GOS President.

A group of tennis players that want to have the Tolmie Park tennis courts resurfaced did not get a grant they were hopeful to get to help with the project, but Keokuk’s Golden Oak Society has stepped up to help out with funding for the proposed project.

The Golden Oak Society’s fourth quarter grant for $5,000 is going to the tennis court resurfacing fund. In a press release, society members say tennis is a lifelong sport played by people of all ages and skill levels. Tennis and many other play options available to the public at Tolmie Park enhance the quality of life for Keokuk residents and visitors.

While this group often uses the Tolmie Park courts, there are several other entities that use the facility, including the Keokuk High School tennis team, the YMCA, the local women’s tennis league and members of the general public.

The group that came to the Park Board several months ago to ask if the courts could be resurfaced said that the courts are deteriorating had have many cracks and low spots.

Those create tripping hazards.

“Without attention, soon the courts will become unplayable and the cost to repair the courts will continue to escalate,” the Golden Oak Society release states.

The Park Board pledged $2,000 for the project when it was discussed at the meeting a few months ago. The Keokuk Parks Foundation and the public are also helping with the project, which, according to the Golden Oak Society, will be about $13,840 for resurfacing, and the courts are looking at another $6,000 or so in other repairs to the facility.

The Golden Oak Society is a self-funded, Unincorporated Association with an ever-growing membership goal of 100 members.

To learn more about the Golden Oak Society, its members, and how to join, contact Glasscock at 319-524-5056 or any member of the Executive Board, Barb Smidt, Emma Lee Lahmeyer, Dev Kiedaisch, Mary Jo Scheetz, and Catherine Worden.